But I don't see where it says only soft bags can be used. Granted, I haven't done it, but I would think a "universal" mounting kit would be able to work.

I emailed the guy at TCI racks (can't remember his name) and he said he did not recommend mounting heavy cases because bouncing could crack the welds. It should be noted that this was his opinion for ALL manufacturer's racks for the DR, not just the TCI. He said that the OutBack rack system was strong enough, but not offered for the DR350. He also said that the lower shelf on the Denali and Sequoia racks is removable to decrease width when the bags aren't mounted. You have to appreciate their honesty, which speaks well of their customer service.

That MMoto picture does show all of the rack. I had to relocate the license plate light because of the hoop that goes around the back of the bike. I have mounted the Givi Monolock top box plate, and it was a bit tricky getting all four clamps to line up, but it works great. We ordered it directly from the Ukraine (while crossing my fingers). It took less than 2 weeks to recieve it, and shipping was around 40 bucks, which still came in similar to the TCI rack. I couldn't find it in the states.

I don't have the Pelican cases mounted yet, but hop to do it this week. They will sit a bit forward, but not enough to be in the way. If you plan to ride 2-up (we don't) it would be tight for the passenger. We did not buy the Givi adaptor plate offered by Mmoto, because our top loader Pelican boxes are too small for those perimeter frames. We will be using small box tubing and the Happy Trails pannier mount kit instead.

I emailed the guy at TCI racks (can't remember his name) and he said he did not recommend mounting heavy cases because bouncing could crack the welds. It should be noted that this was his opinion for ALL manufacturer's racks for the DR, not just the TCI. He said that the OutBack rack system was strong enough, but not offered for the DR350. He also said that the lower shelf on the Denali and Sequoia racks is removable to decrease width when the bags aren't mounted. You have to appreciate their honesty, which speaks well of their customer service.

That MMoto picture does show all of the rack. I had to relocate the license plate light because of the hoop that goes around the back of the bike. I have mounted the Givi Monolock top box plate, and it was a bit tricky getting all four clamps to line up, but it works great. We ordered it directly from the Ukraine (while crossing my fingers). It took less than 2 weeks to recieve it, and shipping was around 40 bucks, which still came in similar to the TCI rack. I couldn't find it in the states.

I don't have the Pelican cases mounted yet, but hop to do it this week. They will sit a bit forward, but not enough to be in the way. If you plan to ride 2-up (we don't) it would be tight for the passenger. We did not buy the Givi adaptor plate offered by Mmoto, because our top loader Pelican boxes are too small for those perimeter frames. We will be using small box tubing and the Happy Trails pannier mount kit instead.

license plate light seems a problem. The hoop, I think, is wrong located. It could be inside the body.

I am trying to order some spare tubes and need a little guidance on the proper sizes/brand. I am running MT-21 tires, 90/90-21 on the front, 120/90-18 on the rear. I am trying to order from RockyMountainATV and it's not real clear on their website.

I am trying to order some spare tubes and need a little guidance on the proper sizes/brand. I am running MT-21 tires, 90/90-21 on the front, 120/90-18 on the rear. I am trying to order from RockyMountainATV and it's not real clear on their website.

Thanks!

It is not super critical as long as you have the diameter correct. Typically go for the biggest tube that does not go over the the width.

I also like to go with the Heay duty ones.

It is easier to post which tubes you are looking at for us to help choise. There are a millions tubes on their site, all of which are sized differently. I know: what a confusing mess.

My guess would be it's to clear saddlebags so they don't melt or stink of exhaust fumes. Should be easy enough to un-modify. No need to buy a new exhaust.

Intersting. It's still pretty hot and I'd like to throw on my soft throw-across saddlebags that I used on the Ninja. I've fit them and the plastic guards keep them off the pipe but I would like a little extra protection if they shift around. Anyone use one of these from Giant Loop? Only $25. Looks like it would do the trick.

Highly considering ditching the KLR for the Dr350... There is a kicker only 98 on clist. How much will I hate not having e start?

Mine is kickstart only. If you get it set up right they are not hard to start EXCEPT when you stall it in a rut, puddle or on a steep grade that makes it hard to get a full stroke on the starter. THEN you will miss e-start.

Highly considering ditching the KLR for the Dr350... There is a kicker only 98 on clist. How much will I hate not having e start?

Seems like there are two camps when it comes to kickers. Those that can kick start it in one/two tries and those that kick it over 100 times before they can get it started. The first group doesn't seem to mind their kick start DR350's; the 2nd...

98 kicker means it is a non street legal dirt bike. At least from the factory. If you are ditching a KLR, you might want to look into your state laws regarding plating dirt bikes or if you care about road worthiness.

Intersting. It's still pretty hot and I'd like to throw on my soft throw-across saddlebags that I used on the Ninja. I've fit them and the plastic guards keep them off the pipe but I would like a little extra protection if they shift around. Anyone use one of these from Giant Loop? Only $25. Looks like it would do the trick.

Seems like there are two camps when it comes to kickers. Those that can kick start it in one/two tries and those that kick it over 100 times before they can get it started. The first group doesn't seem to mind their kick start DR350's; the 2nd...

98 kicker means it is a non street legal dirt bike. At least from the factory. If you are ditching a KLR, you might want to look into your state laws regarding plating dirt bikes or if you care about road worthiness.

Plates are np in MN... Does anyone care in Mexico and down south about that?

None whatsoever if you keep it tuned properly. Two kicks cold for mine, one kick hot. It's easy. Never even have to kick it hard. Usually I don't kick it at all, just park on a mellow slope and roll start it.

What you won't miss is the extra 200 lbs of mass every time you pick it up, or every time you don't have to pick it up because you didn't drop it because it's 200 lbs lighter. You also won't miss not going on the coolest trails because your bike is just too damned big and heavy.

Tell you what, if I had to choose between kick starting and riding a KLR I wouldn't even think about it.